AGP Executive Report

Hunger Strike Crisis: Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari’s health is worsening in Kenitra prison as he continues an open-ended hunger strike since June 8, with AARASD, CONASADH, ISACOM and the families of Gdeim Izik prisoners all blaming Moroccan authorities and urging immediate release, independent medical care, and UN-linked action. Diplomatic Pressure: The Sahrawi Republic’s Foreign Affairs minister, Mohamed Yeslem Beissat, met South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria to brief him on the Sahrawi cause and reaffirm Pretoria’s support for self-determination. International Outreach: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) is expanding its diplomatic presence, including meetings with UN Security Council officials and a reported first-time reception by the US ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz. Western Sahara on Film: French and other international voices renewed calls to boycott or condemn Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” after filming scenes in occupied Dakhla, saying it normalizes Morocco’s presence. Regional Solidarity: A new “Barbados with Western Sahara” committee was launched to raise awareness and back self-determination, while Chilean parliamentary support highlighted the Autonomy Plan debate. Local Governance/Justice: A Moroccan parliamentary report says the country has only 25 full-time forensic doctors, leaving judicial districts without specialists and raising concerns about access to justice.

Hunger Strike Crisis: Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari’s health is worsening in Kenitra prison as multiple groups demand his immediate release and transfer closer to El Aaiún, citing UN Working Group Opinion No. 23/2023 and alleging solitary confinement and medical neglect. Rights Pressure in Europe: The International League for Human Rights urged Germany to intervene, while CONASADH and families of Gdeim Izik prisoners staged a protest in Rabat, escalating calls for independent medical care and access for the ICRC and UN mechanisms. Diplomatic Outreach: Sahrawi Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat met South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, briefing him on the Sahrawi national cause and reaffirming Pretoria’s support for self-determination. Morocco-Spain Academic Ties in Laayoune: Ibn Zohr University signed new medical and research partnership agreements with Canary Islands universities, extending cooperation into Morocco’s southern provinces. Dakhla Film Controversy: French and international voices renewed condemnation of filming scenes for Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” in occupied Dakhla, arguing it normalizes the occupation and whitewashes Sahrawi realities. International Solidarity: Chilean lawmakers backed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, while Sweden’s opposition pledged to return to an international-law-based approach supporting Sahrawi self-determination.

Academic Diplomacy: Ibn Zohr University in Laayoune signed two partnership agreements with the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the University of La Laguna, expanding Morocco-Spain cooperation into medical research, student mobility, and medical humanities. Prisoner Rights Crisis: Sahrawi groups and international advocates escalated demands over Naâma Asfari’s hunger strike, with the National Council, CONASADH, and the International League for Human Rights blaming Moroccan authorities for medical neglect and calling for independent care, an end to solitary confinement, and access for the ICRC and UN mechanisms. Family Protests in Rabat: Families of the Gdeim Izik prisoners staged a protest in Rabat, alleging torture, forced starvation, and violations that they say amount to crimes against humanity. Film Boycott Row: France-based activists and FiSahara renewed calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” accusing the production of normalizing Morocco’s control of occupied Dakhla and “trampling on international law.” International Outreach: The Sahrawi Republic’s envoy to Kenya signed a condolence book for Venezuela earthquake victims, while Sahrawi officials also briefed regional bodies like the AU and SADC on the self-determination file.

Prisoner Health Crisis: Morocco is facing fresh international pressure over Sahrawi civilian prisoner Naâma Asfari’s open-ended hunger strike, with the National Council, CONASADH, and human rights groups warning his condition is deteriorating and demanding independent medical care, an end to solitary confinement, and access for the ICRC and UN mechanisms. Families’ Protest in Rabat: Gdeim Izik families staged a demonstration in Rabat, accusing prison authorities of torture, forced starvation, and denial of fair trial rights, and urging urgent accountability. Human Rights Call to Germany: The International League for Human Rights urged Germany to intervene to save Asfari’s life, citing arbitrary detention and medical neglect. Dakhla Film Backlash: Condemnation continues over Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” scenes filmed in occupied Dakhla, with French civil society and FiSahara arguing the production helps normalize occupation and tourism promotion. Book Launch in Las Palmas: A Spanish lawyer’s book, “Morocco, the Occupying Power in Western Sahara,” was presented in Las Palmas, framing the dispute through legal and UN/AU/EU lenses. Diplomacy and Solidarity: The Sahrawi Republic marked condolences for Venezuela’s earthquake victims via diplomatic outreach, while Sahrawi officials continued regional engagement through meetings tied to the AU and SADC.

Prisoner Rights Crisis: Sahrawi civilian prisoner Naâma Asfari’s health is “seriously deteriorating” as he continues an open-ended hunger strike in Kenitra, with the National Council, CONASADH, ISACOM, and the Gdeim Izik prisoners’ families all blaming Moroccan authorities and demanding his immediate release, independent medical care, an end to solitary confinement, and access for the ICRC and UN mechanisms. International Pressure: The International League for Human Rights urged Germany to intervene to save Asfari’s life, citing arbitrary detention and medical neglect, while families staged a protest in Rabat over alleged torture and forced starvation. Diplomacy & Solidarity: The Sahrawi Republic’s envoy to the AU briefed the AU Commission chair on developments in the Western Sahara file, and Sahrawi diplomats signed condolence books for Venezuela’s earthquake victims in Kenya. Western Sahara in Global Culture: A Las Palmas event presented a book arguing Morocco is an “occupying power” in Western Sahara, while FiSahara and others renewed calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in occupied Dakhla. Resource & Justice System: Morocco’s parliament reported a severe shortage of forensic specialists, raising concerns about access to timely autopsies and examinations.

Hunger Strike Crisis in Moroccan Prisons: Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari’s open-ended hunger strike entered its second month, with international rights groups and prisoner families in Rabat and El Aaiun blaming Moroccan authorities for medical neglect and solitary confinement; the International League for Human Rights urged Germany to intervene, while CONASADH and Gdeim Izik families warned his life is in imminent danger and called for UN-backed medical access and transfers. Diplomatic Pressure and Regional Outreach: The Sahrawi Republic’s special envoy briefed the African Union Commission on latest developments, and SADR officials met SADC leadership to reaffirm regional support for self-determination. Western Sahara on the International Agenda: Chile backed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan in a parliamentary visit to Rabat, while Sweden’s opposition pledged to return to an international-law approach after endorsing Morocco’s proposal. Culture, Boycotts, and International Law: FiSahara and other voices renewed calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in occupied Dakhla, framing it as normalization of Morocco’s control. Laayoune-France Ties: A French Alliance opened in Laayoune, and the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region promoted investment opportunities in Paris, alongside a French ambassador’s Laayoune mission.

Prisoner Rights Crisis: International and Sahrawi human rights groups are escalating pressure over Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari, now in his second month of an open-ended hunger strike in Kenitra, with calls for urgent German and UN intervention, independent medical care, an end to solitary confinement, and implementation of UN Working Group recommendations. Family Protest in Rabat: Families of the Gdeim Izik prisoners staged a protest in Rabat, blaming Moroccan authorities for alleged torture, forced starvation, and denial of fair-trial guarantees, and warning the situation could amount to crimes under the Rome Statute. Solidarity Hunger Strike: The Gdeim Izik group announced a two-day warning hunger strike in Moroccan prisons in solidarity with Asfari, framing it as a fight to save his life. Diplomatic Outreach: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) says it is gaining international access, including a meeting with US UN envoy Mike Waltz, as it pushes a negotiated, pluralist political approach. Western Sahara on the International Agenda: Chile backed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, while Sweden’s opposition pledged to restore an international-law-based policy after elections. Cultural Boycott Fight: FiSahara and other voices renewed calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in occupied Dakhla, arguing it normalizes Morocco’s control. Regional Support Moves: Committees and political parties abroad—such as a new “Barbados with Western Sahara” group and Italian lawmakers—continued to mobilize solidarity and demand action on prisoners.

Hunger Strike Crisis: Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari’s hunger strike entered its second month in Moroccan detention, with ISACOM urging urgent UN action and warning of deteriorating health, while Gdeim Izik prisoners announced a two-day warning hunger strike in solidarity. Political Representation: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) continues to gain diplomatic traction, with reports that the U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz met MSP leaders and signaled support for “voices committed to peace,” challenging Polisario’s long-held monopoly narrative. International Pressure in Europe: Italy’s lawmakers escalated calls for the release of Asfari and other hunger-striking prisoners, and the French Communist Party reaffirmed solidarity with the Sahrawi cause while urging action against resource exploitation. Diplomacy Across Africa: SADR officials briefed SADC on self-determination efforts, and Sahrawi foreign affairs meetings in Botswana and Lesotho reiterated regional support for the political process. Cultural-Political Tensions: FiSahara and other groups renewed calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in occupied Dakhla, while Laayoune saw the inauguration of a French Alliance and a French ambassador’s first mission trip to the city. Local Economy & Cooperation: Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra promoted investment opportunities at a Morocco-France forum in Paris, highlighting renewable energy, fisheries, logistics, and tourism.

Hunger Strike Crisis: Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari has entered a second month of open-ended hunger strike in Moroccan detention, with ISACOM urging the UN Security Council and international bodies to act urgently as his health deteriorates. Prison Solidarity: Gdeim Izik prisoners in Moroccan jails announced a two-day warning hunger strike (July 7–8) in solidarity with Asfari, calling for fulfillment of his legal and humanitarian demands. Political Appointments: Salek Baba Hasna took the legal oath before Polisario leader Brahim Ghali as a new member of the National Secretariat, following a vacancy created by the death of field commander Lahbib Mohamed Abdelaziz. Diplomatic Outreach: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) continues to gain traction abroad, including a meeting with U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz, while the SADR briefed SADC on self-determination efforts. International Pressure on Detention: Italian lawmakers submitted a parliamentary question demanding urgent action for Asfari’s release and better access to independent medical care. Cultural/Legal Controversy: FiSahara and other voices renewed calls to boycott Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in occupied Dakhla, framing it as normalization of Morocco’s control. Regional Support Moves: Barbados launched “Barbados with Western Sahara” to back Sahrawi self-determination, and Sweden’s opposition pledged to restore an international-law-based policy after elections. Citizenship Developments: Spain’s Congress advanced a bill to grant Spanish nationality to Sahrawis from the former Spanish administration, clearing a key subcommittee hurdle.

Diplomacy at the AU: The Sahrawi Republic’s special envoy, Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, briefed the African Union Commission chairperson in Addis Ababa on the latest developments in the Sahrawi cause, stressing defense of Sahrawi rights through international law. Regional Support: In Lesotho, Sahrawi Foreign Minister Mohamed Yslam Beissat met Prime Minister Sam Matekane, delivering a message from Brahim Ghali and securing renewed backing for self-determination. SADC Engagement: SADR briefed SADC on self-determination and regional cooperation after talks with the acting SADC executive secretary in Gaborone, reaffirming a 2025 cooperation framework. UN Representation Shift: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) pushed its diplomatic rise at the UN, including a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz, as Washington signals openness to a “peace” Sahrawi voice beyond Polisario. Human Rights Pressure: Italy escalated calls for urgent action over Sahrawi hunger striker Naâma Asfari, urging diplomatic channels to demand independent medical care and respect for prisoners’ rights. Film Controversy: International backlash grew over Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” after FiSahara and others condemned filming in occupied Dakhla, while critics also reported strong early reactions to the film ahead of its July 17 release. Local Governance & Culture: Laayoune inaugurated a French Alliance, and France’s new ambassador began a Laayoune mission, underscoring Paris’ engagement in Morocco’s southern provinces.

Diplomacy in Southern Africa: Sahrawi Foreign Minister Mohamed Yslam Beissat met Lesotho PM Sam Matekane in Maseru, delivering a message from Brahim Ghali and pressing for stronger ties and self-determination. Regional outreach: SADR briefed SADC on the self-determination struggle, with SADC reaffirming support through dialogue and UN/AU frameworks. Human rights pressure: Italy’s lawmakers renewed calls for urgent action over Sahrawi hunger striker Naâma Asfari, while Front Line Defenders warned of serious health deterioration and medical neglect. UN representation fight: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) secured meetings with UN Security Council figures, including U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz, as Washington signals openness to “peace” voices beyond Polisario. Cultural boycott row: FiSahara and a Western Sahara film festival called for boycotts of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in Morocco-controlled Western Sahara. Local governance & culture in Laayoune: A French Alliance in Laayoune was inaugurated, alongside renewed French diplomatic engagement in the city.

UN Diplomacy & Representation: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) says it is gaining traction at the UN, with a delegation led by Hach Ahmed Baricalla meeting U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz and French UN contacts to push a pragmatic, dialogue-first approach that rejects violence and “sole representative” claims. Human Rights Pressure: Italy’s lawmakers escalated calls for action over Sahrawi hunger striker Naâma Asfari, urging the government to demand medical access and respect for international law as his health reportedly deteriorates. Regional Solidarity: SADR briefed SADC on the self-determination struggle, while Namibia renewed its push for the UN to lead the process through dialogue. Political Prisoners & Condemnations: The SADR foreign ministry condemned a French ambassador’s visit to occupied El Aaiun as a provocation aimed at reinforcing Morocco’s “fait accompli.” European Politics: Sweden’s opposition pledged to restore an international-law-based Western Sahara policy after next elections. Spain Citizenship Move: Spain’s Congress advanced a bill to grant nationality to Sahrawis, with approval expected in July. Culture & Boycott: FiSahara called for a boycott of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in Morocco-controlled Western Sahara.

Human Rights Pressure: Italy’s lawmakers escalated demands over Sahrawi hunger strikers, submitting a parliamentary question urging urgent action for Naâma Asfari and other prisoners, including independent medical care and respect for international law. Regional Diplomacy: SADR briefed the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone on the self-determination struggle, with SADC reaffirming support through dialogue and UN/AU-linked coordination. UN Representation Fight: The Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) pressed its case at the UN, with U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz meeting the MSP and signaling Washington is listening to “Saharawi voices committed to peace,” challenging Polisario’s “sole representative” claim. European Political Support: France’s Communist Party renewed solidarity with the Sahrawi people and called for pressure on companies exploiting Western Sahara’s resources, while also backing the Polisario Front. International Law Debate: Sweden’s opposition parties pledged to restore a policy grounded in international law and UN process after the current government endorsed Morocco’s autonomy proposal. Cultural Boycott Campaign: FiSahara called for a boycott of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” over scenes filmed in Dakhla, arguing it normalizes Morocco’s control of the disputed territory.

US Diplomacy Shift: Washington welcomed a delegation from the Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) at the UN, signaling a break from Polisario’s “sole representative” claim and stressing “voices committed to peace” amid stalled talks. Sweden Foreign Policy: Swedish opposition parties pledged to return to a Western Sahara approach grounded in international law and self-determination, criticizing the current government’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy proposal. Human Rights Pressure: Front Line Defenders urged Morocco to release Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari, warning of serious health deterioration after his hunger strike began June 8. Judicial Retaliation Claims: A Sahrawi lawyer told the UN Human Rights Council that Moroccan authorities use the judiciary to punish rights defenders, calling for protection and an end to intimidation. Cultural and Political Pushback: FiSahara and other voices called for a boycott of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey over scenes filmed in Dakhla, while Laayoune hosted the inauguration of a French Alliance tied to Morocco-France cooperation. Regional Diplomacy: Namibia renewed calls for the UN to lead the process toward self-determination, as Sahrawi officials met Namibian leadership and reiterated support for dialogue.

Cultural Diplomacy Clash: The Western Sahara International Film Festival (FiSahara) is calling for a boycott of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, accusing the film of normalizing Morocco’s control after scenes were shot in Dakhla. Foreign Policy Signals: Sahrawi officials condemned a French ambassador’s visit to occupied El Aaiun as a “provocation” meant to reinforce Morocco’s “fait accompli.” Regional Outreach: The Sahrawi Foreign Affairs minister met Botswana’s president and reiterated support for self-determination and the UN-led political process. Human Rights Pressure: Front Line Defenders warned that Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari’s health is deteriorating after a hunger strike, urging immediate medical access and an end to reprisals. European Legal Move: Spain’s Congress advanced a bill to grant citizenship to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, with a July approval path. UN/US Politics: The U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz met the Sahrawi Movement for Peace, backing a “durable solution” and signaling pressure on Algeria and Polisario amid UNSC Resolution 2797 talks.

U.S.-Morocco Trade & Israel Link: President Trump declared a national emergency and temporarily suspended anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer imports, a move framed as food-security support for American farmers but also read as a strategic signal for U.S.-Morocco-Israel alignment. Cultural Boycott Pressure: The Western Sahara International Film Festival (FiSahara) renewed calls for a public boycott of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, saying scenes shot in Dakhla violate international law and help “normalize” Morocco’s presence in the territory. Diplomatic Push in Africa: Sahrawi Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Yeslem Beissat met Botswana’s President Duma Boko, stressing support for self-determination and peace efforts; similar outreach continued with Namibia, where UN-led dialogue was urged. France & Laayoune Politics: The Sahrawi Foreign Ministry condemned a French ambassador’s visit to occupied El Aaiun as a “provocation,” while Laayoune hosted the inauguration of a French Alliance tied to broader Franco-Moroccan cooperation. Human Rights Alarm: Front Line Defenders urged Morocco to release Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari, citing health deterioration after a hunger strike. Spain Citizenship Momentum: Spain’s Congress advanced a bill to grant nationality to Sahrawis born under Spanish administration, with a July approval forecast.